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CORRESPONDENCE 


A 


BETWEEN 


Senor Don JOSE A. GODOY, 

^® 5 ^ EXICO ’ 


consu; 


HOLLADA 



RENHAM, 


AGENTS OF THE 


CAI,, OREGON & MEXICO S.S. COMPANY. 


San Francisco, March 30th, 1869. 


SAN FRANCISCO : 
if. '/). CAPP d CO., ‘Printers, 

1869 . 








San Francisco, Febrero 27 de 1869. 
Srs. Holladay y Brenham, Agentes de la 

Compania “ California, Oregon y Mexico.” Presentes. 
El Sr. Ministro d'e Hacienda y cr^dito publico del Gobierno 
de Mexico, me dice con fecha 25 del proximo pasado lo 
que sigue : 

“Secretaria de Estado y del Despacho de Hacienda y 
cr^dito publico. Seccion 5 . 

“ Con esta fecha digo al Agente en este capital, de la 
compania “ California, Oregon y Mexico,” lo que sigue : 

“ ‘ Ha examinado el C? Presidente de la Bepublica en 
junta de Ministros, todos los antecedentes relativos al con- 
trato celebrado por el Supremo Gobierno con D. Juan A. 
Robinson, representante de la Compania de Yapores titulada 
“ California, Oregon y Mexico,” en 28 de Diciembre de 1867, 
para el establecimiento de vapores correos en el mar Pacifico, 
y de tal examen resulta justificado ; 

‘“1°. Que el establecimiento de los espresados vapores 
no ha correspondido al principal objeto que el Supremo Go- 
bierno se propuso al celebrar el contrato, que fu4 el de la 
proteccion al comercio, pues la linea de vapores ha funcionado 
con tal irregularidad que ni un solo buque ha llegado a 
Mazatlan en el tiempo convenido, como consta de la commu- 
nicacion que el Comandante de Marin del Sur, dirijido a la 
Sria de Guerra el dia 30 del ultimo Noviembre ; 

“2°. Que con frecuencia los vapores de la linea han 
dejado de traer la correspondencia de San Francisco 6 no la 
han tornado en Mazatlan para los puertos de San Bias, Man- 
zanillo, y Acapulco faltando de esta mancra a otro de los 
principals objetos quese prepuso el Supmo. Gobierno cuando 
celebro el contrato; 

u ‘3°. Que la compania ha faltado al cumplimiento de la 
clausula adicional del contrato espresado, conforme a la cual 
contrajo la obligacion de entregar al Gobierno Gral en pro- 
piedad un buque fuerte y bien acondicionado con todo lo 
necesario, en buen estado de uso, y con maquinarla de fuerte 


potencia, debiendo tener diclio buque, quando m^nos el porte 
de mil toneladas, cuya entrega debio verificarse a los sesenta 
dias contados desde el en que saliese de San Francisco, Cali- 
fornia, el primer vapor de la linea, pues que si bien la 
compania remitio a Mazatlan el buque llamado ‘ Viejo Pana- 
ma/ con objeto de llenar la espresada condicion; ese vapor, 
segun desde luego informaron el Gefe Politico de la Baja 
California y el Comandante de Marina del Sur, tenia mas de 
cuarenta anos de construido, averiados sus fondos y muy 
delgada su cubierta de cobre, de lo que fesulto que era de 
todo punto inutil, y aparecio, ademas, que la artilleria con 
que estaba armado fue la de una fregata rusa que naufrago 
en la costa de la Alta California, permaneciendo abandonada 
dicha artilleria en la pla\ r a casi por ocho anos; 

“ ‘4°. Que la irregularidad en los viajes de los buques 
de la compania ha sido aun mayor en los ultimos meses por 
haber variado de propia autoridad, la salida de los que debian 
partir de Mazatlan para Acapulco, que debiendo haberlos 
verificado cada quince dias, la compania determino que se 
bicieran cada veinte, variando asimismo, el porte de los bu- 
ques de esta carrera, reduciendolo a trescientas toneladas, 
cuando estaba convenido que seria de quinientas; 

‘“5 °. Que la fait a de cumplimiento de la clausula adi- 
cional al contrato, relativa a la entrega del vapor, segun lo 
espresamente pactado, ha dado lugar a lanulidad del contrato; 

u< 6°. Que esta nulidad se lia hecho mas patente desde 
que la misma compania ha notificado al cdnsul de la Repu- 
blica en San Francisco, con fecha 2 del presente mes, que 
suspende los viajes a que estaba obligada por el contrato de 
28 de Deciembre de 1867. 

“ ‘ Y teniendo en consideracion el C ? Presidente, que 
por los graves fundamentos que quedan expresados y que 
demuestran evidentemente, que la compania ha quebrantado 
en su mayor parte las condiciones que se impuso y bajo las 
cuales el Supremo Gobierno se servio otorgarle la concesion, 
ha tenido a bien acordar, que por esta Secretaria se haga la 
solemne declaracion, como en efecto se hace por la presente,' 
de haberse roto y nulificado para lo sucesivo el contrato 
referido celebrado con la compania de vapores correos ‘‘Cali- 
fornia, Oregon y Mexico,” dejando el mismo Supremo Go- 


bierno a salvo los derechos que le competen para reclamar de 
la repetida compania todos los gastos, danos y perjucios que 
ha ocasionado por la falta de cumplimiento del mismo con- 
trato. — Lo que comunico a Y. de orden suprema, para que 
corao Agente de la relacionada compania California, Oregon y 
Mexico, lo ponga en su conocimiento.” 

Y lo traslado a Y. para su inteligencia, y a fin de que 
lo haga saber a los Agentes de la compania en ese puerto.’” 

Y tengo el honor de trascribirlo a Y. en cumplimiento 
de la suprema orden inserta. 

Soy de Ys. muy atento v seguro servidor, 

JOSE A. GODOY, 

Consul de Mexico. 


Office, Cal., Oregon and Mexico Steamship Co., ) 
San Francisco, March 30th, 1869. j 

Senor Don Jose A. Godoy, 

Consul of Mexico , San Francisco: 

Sir: We have received your letter of February 27th, 1869, 
transmitting to us that which the Minister of the Interior 
and of Public Credit of the Government of Mexico, wrote 
to you under date of the 25th of January, 1869. In order 
that we may not be supposed, by our silence, to admit in 
any degree the truth of the charges contained in that com- 
munication, we shall take the liberty of replying to them in 
detail. 

First — It is said that the establishment of said steamers 
has not carried out the principal object which the Supreme 
Government had in view in making the contract — which 
was the protection of trade — as the line of steamers has 
worked with so much irregularity, that not even a single 
vessel has arrived at Mazatlan at the appointed time, as ap- 
pears from the communication addressed by the Comandante 
of the Marine of the South to the Secretary of War, on the 
30tli of November last. 

No copy of this communication was furnished to us. 
We speak of it as we saw it in a Government paper. 
The charge is, in brief, that our line has failed to pro- 
tect commerce, by reason of the irregularity of the ar- 


4 


rival of our steamers at Mazatlan, the latter being the 
only specification in support of the general charge. Now, 
this specification could have been proved, if true, by the 
books of the Custom House, at Mazatlan, and by those also 
of the Comandante of Marine, who makes this broad asser- 
tion. We appeal to those books and to the logs of our 
steamers, to show that in no single instance, was there any 
irregularity in the arrivals, and, we will add, in the depart- 
ures, of the steamers, which was not due to such stress of 
weather or breakage of machinery, as excused it by the very 
terms of our contract (Article 10 of Contract.) 

In only one instance did the steamer for Mazatlan fail to 
leave San Francisco at the appointed time, and that was 
when the sea on the bar of this port was too rough for pas- 
sage. In one other case, *mr steamer “Ajax,” left this port in 
time, but meeting with an accident to her boilers, when 
eight hours out, she returned for repairs, was repaired, and 
resumed her trip with a total detention of only forty-eight 
hours. In only two instances did the steamer from this 
port fail to reach Mazatlan on the regular day; and one of 
these was when the steamer was detained by bad weather, 
and the other was when it went by way of San Bias, as it 
might do, according to the terms of the contract. 

The steamer between Mazatlan and Acapulco ran with 
equal regularity, whenever the weather permitted; with all 
the regularity which the terms of the contract required, for 
that excepted the delays which might be caused by adverse 
weather, and breakage of machinery. 

In support of our statement, we refer to the letters of 
Captain Thomas K. Porter, (Exhibit A, No. 1,) and of W. J. 
Bryan, Superintendent of our steamers, (Exhibit A, No. 2,) 
and to that of Mr. B. Pacheco, Agent of the Company at 
Mazatlan, (Exhibit B, ) as well as to the steamers’ logs, and to 
the Custom House books, and those of the Comandante 
above referred to. 

We do not hesitate, therefore, to pronounce the specifica- 
tion wholly untrue, and the charge which rests upon it, 
wholly unfounded. If commerce was not protected, it was 
not by reason of the irregularity in the arrival or departure of 
the Company’s steamers. 


We might ask what the Mexican Government has done for 
the protection or promotion of commerce, or even for the 
enjoyment and security of its own rights, and the procure- 
ment of correct reports, in accordance with the terms of the 
contract. Has it ever appointed, or placed on any of the 
steamers, an agent or registers of its own, in conformity 
with the 4th Article ? Has it ever addressed any communi- 
cation to the Company, of complaint or requirement, or in- 
formation, prior to the one we are now answering ? Has it 
availed itself of the privilege given it in Article 15? Has it 
ever had an agent of its own, in charge of its own mails, the 
carrying of which from one port to another, says the Com- 
andante of the Marine of the South, is the only benefit to 
be derived from the line? 

Even for the care of the mails of the country, on board 
of these ships, the Government has availed itself of the 
gratuitous services of the Pursers of the Company, while 
failing to appoint and place on board, its own agents, as 
contemplated and provided for, in the 4th Article. 

Second — It is alleged that our steamers have frequently 
omitted to bring the correspondence from San Francisco, 
or have not taken it aboard at Mazatlan, for the ports of 
San Bias, Manzanillo and Acapulco; failing in this respect, 
to fulfil one of the principal objects, which the Government 
had in view in making the contract. 

This, we assert, happened once only, on the line from 
San Francisco, and then not by the fault of the Company, 
but of the Government; on the authority of Mr. Pacheco’s 
letter, above referred to, (Exhibit B,) we say, it never oc- 
curred on the line from Mazatlan to Acapulco. The charge 
of frequency of omission, relies on a specification by the 
Comandante of Marine of the South, of omission, on the 
trip of the 17th of November, 1868, to bring the mail from 
San Francisco, and to take it from Mazatlan to Guaymas 
and La Paz. It is not alleged that the mail was offered and 
refused, that it was put on board, or tendered, or that in 
any way, the ship or the Company became responsible for 
its carriage and safe delivery; but that simply, the ship 
made its trip without it. Now, the Company by the Third 
Article of the contract, simply bound itself to carry gratis, 


i 


6 


all letters, official dispatches and packages, that should be 
sent on board by the postmasters, at the different Mexican 
ports, the steamers should touch at; and in the First Article, 
proposed in general terms, as one of its objects, to carry 
the Government mail, as well as the correspondence of pri- 
vate individuals, also passengers, treasure, minerals, mer- 
chandize, and freight of every description. It was no part 
of its undertaking to seek the mails and bring them on 
board, nor to drum up the postmasters, or other Govern- 
ment agents, or in any w T ay remind them of their duty. 

The 4th Article bound them to give free passage in the 
first cabin, to an agent of the Government, for the purpose 
of attending to the mail and custom-house business. It is 
not pretended that any such agent was ever appointed, much 
less that the Company refused to accord him the right of 
free passage. 

As we have already stated, the Company went so far as to 
allow its ship’s Pursers, in addition to their onerous 
duties in that capacity, to do gratuitously the service of mail 
agent to the Mexican Government, in receiving, guarding 
and delivering the Mexican mails on its ships, and the 
Pursers, in some instances, pushed their complacency so far 
as to go after the Mexican officials for the receipt or delivery 
of their mails, instead of waiting for them to deliver or 
claim them on board. 

On the trip referred to, there was, by illness and death, a 
change of officers, and the new one had no idea that the 
Mexican officials relied upon him to remind them of their 
duty. Hence the one failure, magnified into a frequency of 
omission in the second charge of the Government. 

Third — The third charge is, that the Company have failed 
to fulfil the additional clause (the 17th Article) of the said 
contract, by which they bound themselves to deliver to the 
general Government, as a present, a strong vessel, well con- 
ditioned, with everything necessary, in good order, and with 
powerful machinery; said vessel to be at least of a thousand 
tons burthen; the delivery of the same to take place within 
sixty days after the date of the sailing of the first steamer of 
the line from San Francisco; that in place thereof the Com- 
pany sent to Mazatlan the vessel called “ the old Panama ,” 


I 


with the object of fulfilling the above conditions; that this 
steamer, as the Government had been informed by the 
Political Chief of Lower California, and the Commander of 
Marine of the South, had been built for more than forty 
years; that its floors were damaged and its copper very 
thin, the result of which was that it was entirely useless; 
that it appeared, moreover, that the cannon with which she 
was armed, were those of a Russian Frigate, ship-wrecked 
on the coast of Upper California, which cannon had re- 
mained abandoned .on the beach for nearly eight years. 

Now, the facts are, that the ship referred to, formerly 
called the “Panama,” was built in the year 1848, for a man-of- 
war, under the supervision of the Government of the United 
States; was of more than 1.000 tons burthen; that her 
engine and boilers were in good condition, and she was 
capable of making more than ten knots an hour; that her 
sister ship, the “Oregon,” was recently opened in this port, 
and found to be in good condition, her timbers outside, and 
inside, well preserved; that the “Panama, ” there is every 
reason to think, was in equally good condition; that she 
showed no sign of straining or working in her hull, that her 
copper was good and would last for years; that her decks 
had been recently caulked and were in fine condition; that 
she had in her armament, two 30 pounder new Parrot guns, 
of modern style, and four 12 pounder long guns, purchased 
in New York; that in every particular, the Company com- 
plied with the terms of the 17th Article of their contract 
and in many respects, exceeded its requirements. 

In support of our assertions, we offer the Certificate of 
R. H. Waterman, United States Inspector of Hulls, for 
District No. 1, State of California, (marked C.); of C. 
Wilson, Port Warden of the Port of San Francisco, (Exhibit 
D.); of Amos Noyes, Marine Surveyor for the American 
Lloyds Register, (Exhibit E. ) ; and the letter of R. Pacheco, 
already referred to as Exhibit B. 

If we compare the course of the Government, with that of 
the Company, in reference to this ship, we find, according to 
the letter of Mr. Pacheco, the Government delaying to re- 
ceive the vessel, or to provide for her safety, long after she 
vn-s tendered, and found satisfactory; thus entailing on the 


8 


Company a considerable expense, the greater part of which 
the Government refused to pay. 

Fourth . — This charge, literally transited, is as follows: 
“That the irregularity in the trips of the vessels of the Com- 
pany, has even been greater these last months. They, on their 
own authority, having changed the days of departure of 
those plying between Mazatlan and Acapulco, which should 
take place every fifteen days. The Company determined on 
changing it to every twenty days ; also, taking upon them- 
selves to change the tonnage of the vessels on this route, re- 
ducing them to three hundred tons, when it was agreed upon 
that they should be of five hundred tons.” 

We deny this charge, both as to the alleged change in the 
time of departure of the Mazatlan and Acapulco steamers, 
and as to their tonnage. 

Fifth — The Government says in the fifth place : ‘ ‘ That the 
non-fulfilment of the additional clause of the contract re- 
lating to the delivery of the steamer, as expressly stipu- 
lated, has given ground for the nullity of the contract.” 

We have shown in our answer to the third charge, how 
unfounded it was in every particular; and it therefore wholly 
fails to justify the conclusion of the nullity of the contract, 
set forth in the fifth sub-division of the communication of 
the Government. 

If this charge is based on the lapse of more than sixty 
days before the tender of the “Panama,” we refer to our cor- 
respondence with you to show that such greater delay was 
in compliance with your orders as Consul, and in the interest 
of your Government. (Exhibits F, G, H, I, J, K, L.) 

The sixth and last charge of this official communication, 
literally translated, is as follows : 

Sixth . — “That this nullification is more apparent since the 
Company have given notice to the Consul of the Republic 
at Ban Francisco under the the date of the 2d of this month, 
that they have suspended the trips to which they were bound 
by the Contract of the 28th December, 1867. And the 
Citizen President, taking into consideration the serious 
charges that have been brought and which prove evidently 
that the Company have violated in their greater part the 
conditions they bound themselves to ; and in consideration 
of which, the Supreme Government deigned to grant them 
concesion ; has thought fit through this office to make the 
solemn declaration which he does by these presents, that 
the said contract celebrated with the “California, Oregon and 


9 


Mexico Steamship Company,” is for the future null and void, 
leaving the said Supreme Government free to reclaim from 
said Company all the expenses, damages and losses caused 
by the non-fulfillment of said contract. Which, by superior 
orders, I beg to inform you of — in order that as Agent of 
the California, Oregon and Mexico Company, you may lay 
it before them.” 

Inasmuch as the last sentence of the passage just 
quoted, and another sentence at the commencement of the 
communication, show that it was addressed originally by the 
Government to some supposed Agent of the California, Ore- 
gon and Mexico Steamship Company, at the Capital of 
Mexico, we take this occasion to say, that the Company had 
no Agent there at the time. 

So far as the charges against the Company relate to mat- 
ters anterior to our letter to you, of the 2d of January, 
1869, (which we append as Exhibit M,) announcing the de- 
termination of the Company to suspend the trips, which, up 
to that time, had been made in conformity with the 
contract, and to confine itself, thereafter, to less fre- 
quent trips from this port to Mazatlan, we renew here 
our denial of their truth, and assert our fulfilment of our 
contract to the letter, and that, too, in good faith, and 
with every attention and courtesy. There were difficulties 
in our way, which the Government might have removed, and 
conditions, onerous to us, without being of advantage to the 
Government, which it might have released, or rendered 
more easy. 

We had undertaken these trips without asking any other 
subsidy from the Government than that which should accrue 
to it from the business our ships themselves created. We 
imposed no burden on the National Treasury. Such an en- 
terprise could but be beneficial to Mexico, and merited the 
support and encouragement of the Government. At the 
very time the Government was meditating the annulment of 
the contract, for reasons we have shown to be founded on 
misrepresentations and errors, the Company determined to 
withdraw from it, because its burdens so far exceeded its 
profits, as to entail on the Company enormous losses. From 
the coasting service between Mazatlan and Acapulco, the 
2 


10 


Company received no subsidy at all, so small was the busi- 
ness upon that route. All suggestions and solicitations for 
a change of time and of vessels on that route, by which the 
public would have been better accommodated, the service 
better made in connection with the San Francisco line, and 
the expenses of the Company reduced, were rejected. The 
Government has been indifferent and neglectful, some of its 
officers have been unfriendly, and we have no objection, un- 
der such auspices, to the annulment by the Government of 
its contract with us. But we protest against the charges 
made to justify it, as well as against all claim for damages, 
and we demand of your Government, a just appreciation of 
our course. 

We have the honor to remain, very respectfully, 

Your obedient servants, 

HOLLADAY & BRENHAM. 

Agents, Cal., Oregon and Mexico, Steamship Company. 


Exhibit “ A," No. 1 . 

San Francisco, March 28th, 1869. 
Messrs. Holladay & Brenham, 

Agents C., 0. dfc M. S. S. Co., 
Gentlemen: In reply to your inquiries, I beg to in- 
form you that the steamers which I have commanded be- 
tween this port and those of Mexico, have, to the best of my 
recollection, always left this port on their regular contract 
day, with but one exception, and that was when the bar was 
too rough to go out; and that they have always arrived at 
Mazatlan from this port on their regular day, with but two 
exceptions, one of which was when we were detained by bad 
weather, and the other was when we went by San Bias, 
which they had a right to do according to contract. Our 
arrivals were more or less regular, according to the despatch 
we received at the various custom-houses. 

Very respectfully, 

THOS. K. PORTER, 
Commander of Steamship “Montana.” 


11 


Exhibit “A,” No. 2. 

Office Cal., Oregon and Mexico Steamship Co., ) 
San Francisco, March 28th, 1869. j 

Messrs. Holladay & Brenham, 

■ Agents C., 0. & M. S. S. Company , 
Gentlemen : I hereby certify that the steamers of this 
Company, running to the Mexican ports, have always left 
this port regularly and promptly, according to the schedule 
and contract time with the government of Mexico, except in 
two instances, that of the steamer “J.L. Stephens,” not being 
able to go to sea because of the roughness of the bar; and 
the steamer “Ajax” having met with an accident to her boilers 
after being at sea eight hours, was compelled to return for 
repairs, which detained her, in all, forty-eight hours. 

Very respectfully, 

W. J. BRYAN, 

Supt. C., O. &. M. S. S. Company. 


Exhibit “B.” 

San Francisco, March 20th, 1869. 
Messrs. Holladay & Brenham : 

Dear Sirs : — In accordance with your instructions, im- 
mediately upon the arrival of the steamship ‘ ‘Panama, ” at 
Mazatlan, on the lltli of June, 1868, I notified General 
R. Corona, the General in command of the Fourth Division, 
also Colonel Miranda y Castro, Commander of the Marine 
of the South, of the arrival, and that the steamer was at 
their disposition. I also urged them to receive the steamer 
as speedily as possible, upon the grounds of the great ex- 
pense which it would entail upon the Company if left upon 
their hands. Both Gen’l Corona and Col. Miranda agreed 
that the examination of the “Panama” should take place im- 
mediately, although claiming at the same time that they 
were not directly authorized by the Government to receive 
the vessel. Accordingly, on the 17th of June, 1868, the 
Commander of the Marine of the South, together with those 
experienced in such matters, examined the vessel most 
thoroughly and critically in every particular, and at its con- 
clusion, one and all expressed themselves well pleased with 


12 


the “Panama” and her condition. Two days subsequently to 
this examination, Col. Miranda showed me the report which 
he had made relative to the condition of the steamer; also 
that of the engineers, pilots, Ac., all of which were highly 
favorable and satisfactory; the sole objection made was that 
the ship was unprovided with awnings. Almost daily I 
urged upon the General the necessity of relieving me of the 
vessel, for, as the rainy season was now at hand, and severe 
gales liable to occur at any time, we were compelled to keep 
up constant steam at great expense. 

On the 11th of July, I wrote Gen’l Corona, (after having 
experienced a very severe gale, ) demanding of him that the 
“Panama” should be taken off our hands at once, as we were 
running very great risks by keeping her at Mazatlan during, 
the rainy season. I also recommended that she should be 
sent to Pichilingue, a harbor in Lower California, wdiich 
was considered very safe, and that the expense incurred in 
taking her thither should be allowed by him. To all this he 
agreed without hesitation, stipulating only that for the pres- 
ent she should still retain the American flag, as upon account 
of some difficulty between the “Chanticleer,” the English 
Man-of-war in the harbor, and the Custom House Officials, 
he feared if the Mexican colors were hoisted, the vessel w T ould 
be seized by this man-of-war. The “ Panama” proceeded 
to Pichilingue, and after her departure, I presented to Gen. 
Corona the bill of expense incurred by her while in Mazat- 
lan, a portion of which was allowed. The bill presented 
was $2,562.57, out of which Gen. Corona ordered to be paid 
$1,153 4S on account. The remainder I found it impossible 
to collect, the authorities refusing to allow or pay anything 
further; and I learned subsequently from Gen. Corona that 
considerable displeasure was manifested upon account of his 
having authorized even this partial payment. In Company 
with Gen. Corona, I called upon Col. Miranda, and requested 
him to receive the “Panama” at once, as he, Miranda, having 
received orders to accept her, and having expressed himself 
perfectly satisfied as to her condition, etc., there was now no 
reason for further delay. He utterly refused to accept her 
until such time as he was provided with money from the gov- 
ernment to equip her with a crew, etc. He also refused to 


13 


■approve any further payment of the expenses incurred by 
the “Panama,” though directed to do so by Gen. Corona. 

With regard to the irregularity, in the trips of the vessels 
of the Company, I state most emphatically, that the trips of 
the 2d line of steamers, from Mazatlan to Acapulco, were 
made with all possible regularity, failing only to reach their 
destined ports at appointed time, when delayed by adverse 
weather or like causes, over which no control could possibly 
be exercised. As to the statement of the Commander of the 
Marine of the South, that not even one single vessel arrived 
at Mazatlan at the appointed time, I deny this, most unhesi- 
tatingly, and I cannot conceive why this totally untrue, and 
most ridiculous statement, should have been made by the 
Commander of the Marine of the South; for we can prove 
with the greatest ease, both by his own books, as well as the 
Custom House documents, that, unless from causes hereto- 
fore stated, our steamers were regular in the extreme, both 
in their arrivals and departures; any variation from appoint- 
ed time, was owing wholly to the weather, which during a 
portion of the season at least, was, as all accounts from the 
Mexican Coast prove, more severe than for many years be- 
fore. It was expressly stipulated, in the contract between 
the Government of Mexico and the Company, that the latter 
should not be held responsible for delays, occasioned by 
the weather, but this, it seems, has been entirely over-looked 
in the unfavorable reports of the Commander of the Marine 
of the South. 

It is also stated, that frequently the steamers of both 
lines omitted to carry the mails between the different ports. 
This never happened on the steamers of the 2d line, between 
Mazatlan and Acapulco. 

The change of which we are accused, viz: running the 
steamers between Mazatlan and Acapulco every 20 days, in- 
stead of every 15 days, was not made, for up to the time of 
the entire withdrawal of the 2d line, they continued to ply 
regularly between these ports, every fifteen days, save when 
delayed by unfavorable weather or accidents. 

Yours Bespectfully, R. PACHECO, 

Agent California, Oregon & Mexico Steamship Company 
at Mazatlan. 


14 


Exhibit “C.” 

Tills instrument may certify tliat the undersigned, the 
United States Inspector of Hulls for District Number 1, in 
the State of California, was called upon by Messrs. Holla- 
day & Brenham, agents of the California, Oregon and Mex- 
ico Steamship Company, to hold a survey upon the Ameri- 
can steamship ‘ ‘ Panama, ” while undergoing repairs in this 
port. I found her in good condition, and able to perform 
any voyage, and entitled to my certificate of sea-worthiness. 

I was present daily while the repairs upon her were being 
made, and had good opportunities of examining her hull, 
which I found generally sound and strong. She was well 
fitted out, her machinery and boilers were good; her arma- 
ment was good and sufficient, and I consider liev a first-class 
war vessel. 

K. H. WATERMAN, 
United States Inspector of Hulls. 

San Francisco, Cal., March 30, 1860. 

Exhibit “ D.” 

The undersigned, one of the Port Wardens for the port of 
San Francisco, hereby certifies that he measured in this har- 
bor, March 24, 1868, the steamship “Panama,” and that said 
vessel measured, according to his certificate, extended under 
that date, one thousand, one hundred and fifty-nine, and 
08-100 Mexican tons; that she was then in a good and sea- 
worthy condition, well equipped, and supplied with sails, 
rigging, anchor, boats, etc. ; she showed no signs of strain- 
ing, her metal sheathing being at that time in good order, 
and not wrinkled. The ‘ ‘Panama’’ was built in New York, a. d. 
1848, by W. H. Webb, of the best materials, with solid floor, 
and diagonally braced on frame, under the superintendence 
of the United States Government, as was also the steamship 
‘ ‘Oregon, ” both being built at the same time, and for the same 
purpose, namely, that of carrying the United States mail on 
the Pacific Coast. The “Oregon,” now lying in this harbor, 
has been recently converted into a sailing ship; she has been 
opened in many places, both inside and outside, and found 
strong and sound everywhere — it is therefore but just to pre- 


15 


sumethat the “Panama” was just as good a vessel, and would 
last, for ordinary service, a number of years. Shs was cop- 
pered the last time at Mare Island, in the year a.d. 1865, on 
the Government dock. Her machinery and boilers were 
examined by the United States Boiler Inspectdr, before 
leaving this port, and pronounced by him in good order. 

The armament of the “Panama 7 ’ consisted, on her departure 
from here, of two new rifled “Parrot’s* cannon, purchased 
from the Pacific Mail Steamship Company, and four smooth- 
bored “ DahlgreiU 7 cannons that were sent out from New 
York, via Panama. She was also well-supplied with small- 
arms, and had about eighty-tons of coal on board. The can- 
nons of the stranded Russian steam corvette “Novik” are still 
in the possession of Mr. Charles Hare, in this city ; they are 
large old-fashioned thirty-six pounders, smooth-bore. 

I also certify that I measured the steamship “Gussie Tel- 
fair,” March 18, a.d. 1868, and found her to be five hundred 
and sixty-two and 40-100 Mexican tons, and that I surveyed, 
by request of the Mexican Consul, Jose A . Godoy, the steam- 
ship “Continental,” August 8th, a.d. 1868, and the steamship 
“Sierra Nevada,” August 18th, a.d. 1868, and found them to 
be in good order and well provided with everything requisite 
to an ocean-going steamship. 

C. WILSON, Port Warden. 

San Francisco, March 27, a.d. 1869. 

To Messrs. Holladay & Brenham, Agents California, Oregon 
and Mexican Steamship Co. 


Exhibit “E>” 

San Francisco, March 25, I860. 
Messrs. Holladay & Brenham, 

Agents Cal. 0. Ac M. S. S. Company: 

Gentlemen: As Marine Surveyor I have known the 
steamship ‘ ‘Panama” for ten years. She was built at New York 
at the same time that the steamship “ Oregon” was built, 
and of similar materials and workmanship. She had a solid 
floor, was diagonally cross-braced with iron on the inside of 
the frames, and up to the time she left here she showed no 
signs of straining. The yellow metal sheathing was smooth, 
and she was kept in good order. 


16 


The steamsliip “ Oregon” lias recently been opened, the 
boiler and machinery taken out, giving every one an oppor- 
tunity to inspect her thoroughly, and we are all satisfied 
that she is sound, and will last for many years .more, and 
the ‘ ‘ Panama” was- always considered as good as the 
“ Oregon.” 

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

AMOS NOYES, 

Marine Surveyor for American Lloyds Register. 


Exhibit “E.” 

San Francisco, Marzo 26 de 1868. 
Srs. Holladay y Brenham, Agentes de la 

Compania de Yapores “ California, Oregon y Mexico.” 

Muy Srs. mios : Oonviene al mejor servicio de la Repu- 
blica de Mexico, que antes de disponer Ys. el envio a 
Mazatlan, conforme al contrato celebrado por el Supremo 
Gobierno con la compania que Ys. representan, del vapor 
montado en guerra que la misma compania esta obligada a 
entregar, se sirvan avisarme, para disponer lo que yo juzgue 
convenient^ de acuerdo con las circonstancias y las instrucci— 
ones que he recibido. 

Soy de Ys. muy atentos seguros servidores, 

JOSE A. GODOY. 


Exhibit “ G.” 

Office Cal. Oregon and Mexico Steamship Co. { 
San Francisco, March 26, 1668. \ 

Bear Sir : — In reply to yours of this date, we propose to 
send the war steamer to Mazatlan, to be delivered to the 
Mexican Government, according to contract, on the 2d of 
April. 

We will, however, make the departure of the steamer sub- 
ject to your orders. 

Please advise us of your wishes on the subject. 

Respectfully, 

[Signed.] HOLLADAY & BRENHAM. 

Seiior Bon Jose A. Godoy, Mexican Consul, 

San Francisco. 


17 


Exhibit “H.” 

Ban Francisco, Marzo 27 de 1868. 
Brs. Holladay y Brenham, Agentes de la 

Compania de “ Califorriia ? Oregon y Mexico. 

Muy Srs. mios : Conformes Vs. en esperar mi orden para 
disponer la salida del vapor montado en guerra, que segun 
contrato debe entregar la compania que Vs. representan al 
Supremo Gobierno de la Republica de Mexico, ofrezco a Vs. 
que despues de la salida del “Montana,” tendre el honor de 
comunicarles la resolution que a nornbre del mismo Gobierno 
lie tornado. 

Soy de Vs. muv atento seguro servidor, 

JOSE A. GODOY. 


Exhibit “1.” 

Office, Cal., Oregon and Mexico Steamship Co., ) 

^ San Francisco, March 27th, 1868. ) 

Dear Sir: We beg leave to call your attention to the fact, 
that no ammunition is provided for in the contract for the 
war steamer, to be sent to Mazatlan. Being desirous that 
the vessel should be ready for immediate use to the Mexican 
Government on her arrival at that place, we are willing to 
facilitate the purchasing of a moderate supply of ammuni- 
tion for the cannon, as well as for the breech-loading mus- 
kets and pistols; also for coal, which is not provided for in 
the contract. 

Should you think proper to order the same to be paid for 
on the arrival of the steamer at Mazatlan, by the Mexican 
authorities at that port, we will at once take steps for pro- 
viding them. 

During the transportation of the same from this place to 
Mazatlan, they would be, of course, at the risk of the Mex- 
ican Government. 

Awaiting your answer,' we are, respectfully, 

Your ob’t serv’ts, 

(Signed,) HOLLADAY & BRENHAM. 

Senor Don Jose A. Godoy, 

Mexican Consul, San Francisco. 


3 


Lg 


Exhibit *'J.” 

San. Francisco, Mayo 4 de 1868. 
Srs. Holladay y Brenham, Agentes de la 

Compania “ California, Oregon y Mexico.” Presentes. 

Muy Senores Mios : Habi4ndose establecido en el Esta- 
do de Sinaloa, el orden alterado por el general Martinez, 
pueden Ys. mandar el buque montado en guerra, que segun 
la clausula 17 p adicional del contrato celebrado con el Su- 
premo Gobierno de Mexico, se comprometio la compania que 
Ys. representan, a entregar al mismo Gobierno en el puerto 
de Mazatlan. 

Soy con la debida consideracion de Ys. muy atento ser- 
vidor, JOSE A. GODOY, 

Consul de Mexico. 


Exhibit “K.” 

Office, Cal., Oregon & Mexico, Steamship Co., ) 

San Francisco, May 7th, 1868.^ ) 

Dear Sir : 

We have the honor to acknowledge your favor 
of the 4th inst., stating that we may send the War Steamer, 
designed for the Mexican Government, to Mazatlan. 

As the steamer leaving here on the 1st of June, has much 
more power, andean, with greater safety, tow the “Panama” 
to Mazatlan, we would greatly prefer, and esteem it a special 
favor, if you will defer the departure until that time. 

Please let us know if this will meet with your concurrence. 

Respectfully, 

(Signed) HOLLADAY & BRENHAM, 

Agents. 

Senor Don Jos& A. Godoy, 

Mexican Consul, San Francisco. 


Exhibit “L.” 

San Francisco, Mayo 8 de 1868. 
Srs. Holladay y Brenham, 

Agentes de la Compania de Yapores 

“ California, Oregon y Mexico,” San Francisco. 
Muy Senores mios : He recibido la nota de Ys. feclia de aver, 


19 


en que me manifiestan lo conveniente que seria que el envio 
del buque montado en guerra, que deben entregar al Supre- 
mo Gobierno de Mexico, se efectue el 1 °. del entrante 
Junio, que sale de aqui un vapor de bastante fuerza, y que 
o reee seguridad para remolcar el buque a que me he referido. 
En contestacion, tengo el honor de decir a Ys. que, consi- 
derando fundada esa razon, que es la misma que me dio el 
Sr. Holladay al venir a verme al Consulado, no encuentro 
inconveniente, en que se. difiera la salida del buque montado 
en guerra, hasta el 1°. de Junio. 

Soy de Ys. muy atento seguro servidor, 

JOSE A. GODOY, 

Consul de Mexico. 


Exhibit “ M,” 

Office, Cal., Oregon and Mexico Steamship Co., ) 
San Francisco, January 2d, 1869. j 

Sir: We are instructed by the President to inform you, 
and your Government through you, that this Company must 
and will discontinue running, their steamers under the con- 
tract, as entered into with the Supreme Government of the 
Mexican Republic, approved December 28th, 1867. 

The very heavy losses sustained, and likely to continue, 
prompt us to this course. 

In future, we propose to run one steamer — the “John L. 
Stephens ” — as formerly, to San Bias, Mazatlan, La Paz 
and Guayfnas, every thirty or forty days, conveying the Uni- 
ted States mails, free of charge, and affording to the Gov- 
ernment and the people of Mexico, every facility, favor and 
accommodation in the power of this Company. Of this you 
can rest assured, and we beg the favor that you will give 
this assurance to your Government. 

Respectfully, 

HOLLADAY & BRENHaM, 
Agents. 

To Seiior Don Jose A. Godoy, 

Mexican Consul, San Francisco. 


20 


Exhibit “ X." 

CONTRATO 

CELEBRADO ENTRE EL SUPREMO GOBIERNO DE LA REPUBLICA M^- 
XICANA Y LA COMPANIA “ CALIFORNIA, OREGON Y MeJICO 
STEAM SHIP COMPANY” DE SAN FRANCISCO, PARA EL ESTA- 
BLECIMIENTO DE DOS LlNEAS DE VAPORES-CORREOS EN EL 
MAR PAC1F1CO Y GOLFO DE CALIFORNIA. 


Secretaria de Estado y del Despacho de Hacienda y 
Credito Publico. — Seccion — Di cuenta al C. Presidente de 
la Republica con el ocurso de vd. de hoy, en que pide el 
Supremo Gobierno que con las inodificaciones que hace de 
los artlculos 3 P y 5 P de las propuestas que tiene presenta- 
das a nombre de la Compania “ Oregon & Mexico,” se sirva 
aprobar el contrato para el establecimiento do dos llneas de 
vapores; y el mismo C. Prisidente se ha servido acordar, que 
con las indicadas modificaciones a que se refiere vd. en su 
citado ocurso, y con la de que la subvencion sera pagada por 
el Supremo Gobierno por solo cuatro anos, quedan aprobadas 
las propuestas de los interesados, de cuyo contrato remito a 
vd. una copia con las modificaciones referidas, para que 
firmado que sea por vd. en representaeion de la citada Com- 
pania, se sirva de volverla a este Ministerio. — Independia y 
Liber tad. Mexico, Dicieinbre 24 de 1867. — Iglesias. — C. 
Juan A. Robinson. — Presente. 

Propuestas que presenta al Supremo Gobierno de la 

o' / 

Republica Mexicana, la Compania de vapores 
“ California, Oregon & Mexico Steam Ship Com- 
pany,” de San Francisco. 

Primera. La Compania establecera una linea de vapores 
Americanos, que correra entre los puertos del golfo de Cali- 
fornia y el de San Francisco de la Alta California, cuyos 
buques saldran de este ultimo puerto cada veinte dias, arri- 
bando a Mazatlan, Guaymas y La Paz. Tocando otra Vez en 
Mazatlan, regresaran al puerto de su salida, llevando la (Mala) 
correspondencia del Gobierno y la de los particulares, asi 
como pasajeros, caudales, minerales, mercaderias y flete do 
todo especie. To^aran igualmente estos vapores a los puertos 


21 


que en lo sucesivo sean liabilitados para el comercio; pudien- 
do tambien tocar en alguno de sus viajes en de San Bias 
cuando asi conviniere a la Compama. Los vapores de esta 
linea seran, quando raenos, de rail (1000) toneladas de porte, 
bien acondicionados. tripulados y mandados. 

Segunda. La citada Compama establecera otra linea de 
vapores Americanos para hacer la carrera entra los puertos 
de Mazatlan y Acapulco, tocando los demas del transito, con 
el fin de llevar la (Mala) correspondencia del Gobierno y de 
los particulares, pasajeros, caudales, minerales y mercaderias 
de toda especie; cuya linea saldra del puerto de Mazatlan 
cada quince dias, haciendo asi dos viajes cada mes; tocando en 
San Bias, Manzanillo, Acapulco y puertos que esten abiertos al 
comercio, y volveran a Mazatlan, tocando en los mismos ya 
mencionados. Los vapores de esta linea no seran menos de 
quinientes (500) toneladas, v mandados por capitanes compe - 
tentes, de capacidad y experiencia. 

Tercera. La mencionada Compama ofrece lleva en 
ambas lineas, los soldados, oficiales y agentes del Gobierno 
mexicano, cuando asi fuere necesario por qualquiera circun- 
stancia, con sus equipajes y pertreehos de boca y guerra, por 
una tercera parte del precio que pagarian los particulares en 
casos iguales. Todas las cartas, oficios y bultos despachados 
por las administraciones de correos de los diferentes puertos 
de la Republica adonde tocan los dos lineas de vapores, seran 
trasportados gratis por la Compania. El Gobierno tiene el 
derectio de fijar las tarifas del correo, y de percibir su im- 
porte, como renta suya. 

Cuarta. Un agente del Gobierno tendra su pasaje gratis 
en primera camara, en los vapores de ambas lineas, con el fin 
de atender al cuidado de la correspondencia y asuntos adua- 
nales. Este agente sera portador de un registro que visaran 
en cada viaje los agentes del Gobierno en los diferentes 
puertos donde recalan los vapores de ambas lineas. En este 
registro se firmaran los recibos de las balijas que contienen 
la correspondencia, y los agentes del Gobierno mexicano cer~ 
tificaran en el mismo registro que el servicio ha sido desem- 
penado con arreglo al contrato. Tendra tambien el agente 
otro registro, donde los pasajeros pueden formular sus 
quejas por escrito, contra la Compania. 


V 


22 


Quinta. En consideracion a los crecidos gastos que 
tiene que erogar la Compania, asi corao tambien de los servi- 
cios que prestara facilitando el trasporte de la (Mala) 
correspondence del Gobierno, la de los particulares, y demas 
operaciones que tengan relacion con los intereses de la Repu- 
blica de Mexico, que ofrece deseropenar, tanto en la primera 
linea cada veinte dias, como en la segunda cada quince, 
solicita del Supremo Gobierno un subsidio en la forma 
siguiente : Per cada viaje redondo de la primera linea, que 
finalizara en el puerto de Mazatlan, la suma de ($2,500) dos 
mil quinientos pesos fuertes; y por cada lino de los de la 
segunda linea, que tambien finalizara en Mazatlan, la de 
($1,000) mil pesos fuertes. Este subsidio en ninguna manera 
sera gravoso al erario nacional, porque la Compania pide que 
su pago se verifique exelusivamente con los propios recursos 
que recibe el Gobierno, procedentes de las dos lineas de va- 
pores, que son : los derechos de importacion y exportacion 
que causen los efectos a su entrada y salida de los puertos,. en 
cada viaje redondo: en el concepto de que, si por un evento 
no alcanzaren los derechos en alguno de los viajes redondos, 
para cubrir las sumas dichas, del resto que falte, no se pedira 
el pago, y de que la subvencion mencionada se pagara solo 
en los primeros cuatro anos de este contrato. 

Sexta. La repetida Compania pide al Supremo Gobierno 
la permita poner a bordo de los vapores, libre del derecho de 
exportacion, el dinero que reciba por dicho subsidio y los 
valores que le sean pagados en los puertos por pasajes y flete; 
para lo cual se obliga a presentar en cada viaje una noticia 
circunstanciada, acompanada de los conocimientos de embar- 
que, lista de pasajeros, v de lo que cada uno de estos hava 
pagado. 

S^tima. La Compania fijara los dias para la salida y 
arribo de los puertos de Mazatlan, Guaymas, La Paz y San 
Francisco, correspondientes a la primera linea; 6 igualmente 
los de la segunda linea, de los de Acapulco, San Bias, Manza- 
nillo ) T Mazatlan. 

Octava. En consideracion al largo tiempo que debe 
trascurrir antes que la Compania reciba beneficio alguno de 
esta empresa, solicita del Supremo Gobierno que sus dos 


23 


Hneas de vapores sean libres del derecho de toneladas y faro, 
corao tambien de todo impuesto local en los diferentes puertos 
de Mexico donde entren, con excepcion del de practico en 
aquellos que los ha} T a establecidos, y que el carbon y provi- 
siones que sean importados para uso de las Hneas, estdn del 
mismo modo, libres de todo impuesto y derecho. 

Novena. Siempre y quando el Gobierno lo considere 
necesario, puede mandar visitar los vapores de la Compama, 
para asegurarse de que se hallan en buen estado; y esta 
visita, si quiere praticarse en San Francisco, lo hara el consul 
mexicano por cuenta de la Companla. Los vapores de las dos 
Hneas tendran derecho de cargar y descargar, inmediatamente 
despues de que fondeen. 

D^cima. Si por causa de mal tiempo 6 fuerza mayor, los 
vapores no pudiesen entrar y descargar en alguno de los 
puertos de su carrera, pide que de ninguna manera sean 
obligados a ello, y que la Mala, pasajeros y carga, sean 
desembarcados en el viaje proximo, sin tener nadie derecho 
a reclamacion alguna contra la Companla 6 sus vapores por 
esta causa. Los pasajeros, en este caso, quedaran a bordo 
durante el viaje redondo, sin hacerles cargo alguno; pero si 
faltara en su carrera dos viajes consecutivos en alguna de las 
Hneas, sin justificarse que tal detencion fu6causada por fnerza 
mayor, la Companla tendra que pagar al Gobierno mexicano 
una multa de ($4,000) cuatro mil pesos, v perdera el subsidio 
correspondiente a dichos viajes. 

Und^cima. El Supremo Gobierno librara sus ordenes 
para que los empleados a quienes corresponda, y en vista de 
los certificados de haber cumplido los vapores en cada viaje 
redondo, con la entrega de balijas y con todas las demas 
obligaciones que le impone este contrato, con cuyos docu- 
ments se acreditara por la Companla su derecho al subsidio, 
procederan a su pago segun se estipula en el artlculo 5 P 
Duodecima. La Compama ofrece despaeliar el primer 
vapor del puerto de San Francisco a Mazatlan, veinte dias 
despues de recibir en el primer punto el aviso de la celebra- 
cion de este contrato; y cuarenta dias despues, despaeliar^ 
el primer vapor de Mazatlan para Acapulco y puntos inter- 
medios. 


24 


Decimatercera. Cada vapor de la Compama tendra un 
medico, una caja quirugica y un botiquin surtido con las 
medicinas necesarias. 

Decimacuarta. La Compama “ California, Oregon & 
Mexico,” pide al Supremo Gobierno su proteccion en favor 
de la empresa durante el termino de su contrato, y su ampa- 
ro en todas las concesiones y dereclios que adquiera. Por 
lo tanto, toda cuestion 6 desavenencia que se suscitare to- 
cante a este contrato, sera juzgada y ventilada ante los Tri- 
bunales mexicanos, sin que dicha Compama en tales casos 
pueda alegar otros dereclios que los que disfrutan los cim 
dadanos mexicanos. 

Decimaquinta. La Compania ofrece recibir a bordo de 
cada uno de sus vapores, durante el tiempo de este contrato, 
dos jovenes mexicanos a eleccion del Gobierno, con el ob- 
jeto de instruirlos enla ciencia de ingeniero maritimo, nave- 
gacion y pilotaje; y se empleara el mayor esmero y eficacia 
para su ensenanza en estos ramos. Seran tratados con toda 
consideracion, y tendran camarote y mesa con los empleados 
de los buques de su mismo grado, y por supuesto los ascen- 
sos que merecieren segun sus adelantos, hasta concluir su 
carera. Queda a la voluntad del Gobierno retirarlos y poner 
otros, cuando lo considere conveniente. 

Decimasexta. El Gobierno mexicano se compromete a la 
aprobacion de este contrato, que sera de diez aiios, contados 
desde el dia que la otorgue; y seran por el mismo periodo 
de tiempo obligatorio para ambas partes contratantes, todas 
las estipulaciones que expresa este convenio. Asimismo se 
comprometera durante los expresados diez aiios, a no dar a 
ninguna persona 6 Compania que pretendan establecer dichas 
lfneas, iguales ventajas 6 may ores que las que lia concedido 
en este contrato. 

Decimaseptima 6 adicional. La Compania “ California, 
Oregon & Mexico,” conforme con lo queofrecio al Supremo 
Gobierno en su ocurso de diez y seis del presente (Diciem- 
bre de sesenta y siete), y en lugar de la fianza que debiera 
otorgar para el aseguramiento de este contrato, cede desde 
luego en propiedad al Gobierno general, un buque fuerte y 
bien acondicionado con su arboladura y jarcia en buen esta- 


25 


do de uso, asi como sus ancoras, amarras y velamen : tendr£ 
dos banderas mexicanas yun gallardete: su maquina serade 
fuerte potencia, y tambien en bnen estado; y dicho buque, 
que sera cuando menos de mil (1,000) toneladas, estara ar- 
mado con (4) cnatro piezas largas de a (12) doce, (2) dos car- 
rouadas de a (24) veinticuatro, (40) cnarenta fusiles moder- 
nos que se cargan por la culata, (40) cnarenta pistolas de 
cilindro, (50) cincuenta sables y (50) cincuenta picas de 
abordaje. El buque referido sera entregado por la Compa- 
fifa ‘ ‘ California, Oregon & Mexico, ” en el puerto de Ma.- 
zatlan, a los sesenta dias contados desde el en que saiga del 
puerto de San Francisco de California el primer yapor-correo 
de la primera lmea contratada; en la inteligenda, que de no 
liacer la entraga de dicho buque en el tiempo que aquf se de- 
signa, este contrato quedara anuladp y de ningun valor por 
ese solo heclio. 

Mexico, Diciembre 26 de 1867. — En representacion de la 
Compama “California, Oregon & Mexico Steam Ship Com- 
pany, ” — Juan A . Robinson. — Diciembre 28 de 1867. — Apro- 
badas las propuestas, comuniquese al interesado y a la Te- 
sorerfa general para sus efectos. — Garmendia. 

Secretarial de Estado y del Despacho de Hacienda y Cre- 
dito Publico. — Seccion 5. a — Hoydigo al ciudadano tesorero 
general de la nacion lo que sigue : — “Habiendo aprobado el 
Supremo Gobierno las propuestas presentadas por el C. Juan 
A. Robinson, en representacion de la Compama ‘ ‘ Califor- 
nia, Oregon & Mexico,” para el establecimiento de dos 
lmeas de vapor-correos en el mar Pacifico, se acompaiian a 
vd. las citadas propuestas, por disposicion del C. Presidente 
de la Republica, a fin de que por esa Tesorerfa se proceda 
desde luego a otorgarla escritura correspondiente a este con- 
trato. ” — Lo que trascribo a vd. para su conocimiento y efec- 
tos consiguientes. — Independence y Libertad. — Mexico, 
Diciembre 30 de 1867 — Jose M. Garmendia. — C. Juan A. 
Robinson, Hotel Iturbide num. 67. — Presente. 












































